 Physics
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Undergraduate |
| Physics Courses Faculty Research Events | Course Descriptions |
(revised April 5, 2008)
PHYS 100. Space, Time and Motion (3)
An introductory course in physics for students of the liberal arts. Discussion of how physics is performed, what important discoveries about natural phenomena have been made by physicists, and what are the most exciting questions being tackled by physicists today . Connections to current work appearing in various popular media will be made. In particular, emphasis is made on the connections between the fundamental discoveries that led to our understanding of motion and the nature of light, and much of the ongoing research at the forefront of modern physics.
PHYS 101. Distinguishing Science from Pseudo-Science (3)
There are many current issues arising in popular discourse, ranging from the believability of ESP to reincarnation, to "free energy" machines, which can benefit from simple physical analyses. This course will provide an introduction to the use of basic principles of physics to explore the viability of these ideas. A seminar format will be utilized with specific topics presented by students and by the instructor. Prerequisite: PHYS100, PHYS115, PHYS121 or PHYS123.
PHYS 113. Principles of Physics Lab (2)
The laboratory portion of the first two semesters of introductory physics. (A two-semester course.) Prereq: Departmental permission.
PHYS 113A. Principles of Physics Lab?Mechanics (1)
The laboratory portion of the first semester introductory physics. Prereq: Departmental permission.
PHYS 113B. Principles of Physics Lab?Electricity and Magnetism (1)
The laboratory portion of the second semester of physics. Prereq: Departmental permission.
PHYS 115. Introductory Physics I (4)
First part of a two-semester sequence directed primarily towards students working towards a B.A. in science, with an emphasis on the life sciences. Kinematics; Newton's laws; gravitation; simple harmonic motion; mechanical waves; fluids; ideal gas law; heat and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. This course has a laboratory component.
PHYS 116. Introductory Physics II (4)
Electrostatics, Coulomb's law, Gauss's law; capacitance and resistance; DC circuits; magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; RC and RL circuits; light; geometrical optics; interference and diffraction; special relativity. Introduction to quantum mechanics; elements of atomic, nuclear and particle physics. This course has a laboratory component. Prereq: PHYS115.
PHYS 121. General Physics I. Mechanics (4)
Particle dynamics. Newton's laws of motion, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, and angular momentum conservation. This course has a laboratory component. Prereq: MATH121, MATH123, MATH125 or one year of high school calculus.
PHYS 122. General Physics II. Electricity and Magnetism (4)
Electricity and magnetism emphasizing the basic electromagnetic laws of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday. Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves, interference, and diffraction. This course has a laboratory component Prereq: PHYS121 or PHYS123. Coreq: MATH122, MATH124 or MATH126.
PHYS 123. Physics & Frontiers I - Mechanics (4)
The Newtonian dynamics of a particle and of rigid bodies. Energy, momentum, and angular momentum conservation with applications. A selection of special frontier topics as time permits, including fractals and chaos, special relativity, fluid mechanics, cosmology, quantum mechanics. This course has a laboratory component. Admission to this course is by invitation only.
PHYS 124. Physics & Frontiers II - Electricity and Magnetism (4)
Time-independent and time-dependent electric and magnetic fields. The laws of Coulomb, Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday. Microscopic approach to dielectric and magnetic materials. Introduction to the usage of vector calculus; Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form. The role of special relativity in electromagnetism. Electromagnetic radiation. This course has a laboratory component. Prereq: PHYS123 or consent of department. Coreq: MATH122 or MATH124.
PHYS 137 Scientific Frontiers: Origins (3)
This course will provide undergraduates, both science and non-science majors, with a general perspective of the modern state of our physical understanding of the universe, including outstanding puzzles at the forefront of modern science, focusing on the questions of origins: the origin of the universe, of our galaxy, of matter, of life, etc.
PHYS 166 Physics Today and Tomorrow (1)
This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the most exciting and timely research areas in physics, as well as other topics germane to being a professional physicist. These discussions will cover fields such as nanoscience, ultrafast optics, exotic materials, biophysics, cosmology, string theory and the role of physicists in developing new technologies. Each week a member of the faculty will meet with students to discuss a topic of current interest, how a physicist approaches the problem, and how physicists interact with others to find a solution. Other topics germane to being a professional physicist also will be discussed, including the relationship among academic, industrial, and governmental laboratories; ethics; and non-traditional careers for students trained in physics. (PHYS 166 is graded on a PASS/FAIL basis.)
PHYS 188. On Being a Scientist (1)
This course will focus on the question "What makes a good scientist?" using a weekly discussion of articles chosen from the "Science Times." It will build important oral communication skills via a discussion of the broader context and implications of the science discussed. Cross-listed with ASTR 188, ANTH 188, GEOL 188, PSCL 188, SOCI 188, and WMST 188. ( PHYS 188 has received formal approval for one-time offering in the spring 2002 semester. Permanent approval is being sought but this process requires several months. )
PHYS 196. Energy and Society (3)
Global and national perspectives on the problems of energy supply and demand, global warming, oil cartels, solar, nuclear and wind energy, energy history, politics and economics of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. Cross-listed as GEOL196, HSTY196 and POSC196.
PHYS 203. Analog and Digital Electronics (4)
Elements of both analog and digital electronics from the practical viewpoint of the experimental scientist; AC circuits, linear and non-linear operation of op-amps, logic gates, flip-flops, counters, display, memory, transducers, A/D and D/A conversion. Laboratory work involves quantitative investigation of the operation of all these elements, together with projects that explore their combination. Prereq: PHYS122 or PHYS124.
PHYS 203A. Analog and Digital Electronics for BA (2)
This course is the first half of the laboratory requirement for the BA degree in Physics and is basically the first half of PHYS 203. Elements of both analog and digital electronics from the practical viewpoint of the experimental scientist; AC circuits, linear and non-linear operation of op-amps, digital circuits including logic gates. This course includes weekly lecture and laboratory work in electronics; it may also include an additional weekly lecture, associated with PHYS 301,on topics such as error analysis, technical writing and oral presentations.
PHYS 204. Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (4)
Principles of experimental design: limits of resolution via band-width, thermal noise, background signals; data acquisition and control by computer; computer simulation; signal processing techniques in frequency and time domains, FFT, correlations, and other transform methods; counting techniques. Applications include lock-in amplifiers, digitizing oscilloscopes and data acquisition systems. Prereq: PHYS203 and PHYS221.
PHYS 208. Instrumentation and Signal Analysis Laboratory (4)
AC circuit theory, Fourier series, discrete Fourier series. Fourier integral, discrete Fourier integral; analysis in time and frequency domains, correlation, cross correlation and other transform techniques; computer control of experiments via IEEE488 interface; advanced instrumentation; DMM, arbitrary waveform generator, multiplexing and digitizing oscilloscopes; experimental design, noise; design, construction, and testing of a lock-in amplifier. Prereq: PHYS221 and ENGR210.
PHYS 221. Introduction to Modern Physics (3)
Concepts in special relativity, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics and their impacts on modern technology. Applications to atomic structure, and selected topics in nuclear, condensed matter physics, particle physics, and cosmology. Prereq: PHYS116, PHYS122 or PHYS124.
PHYS 250. Computational Methods in Physics (3)
Numerical methods, data analysis, and error analysis applied to physical problems. Use of personal computers in the solution of practical problems encountered in physics. Interpolation, roots of equations, integration, differential equations, Monte Carlo techniques, propagation of errors, maximum likelihood, convolution, Fourier transforms. Prereq: ENGR131. Coreq: MATH224.
PHYS 301. Advanced Laboratory Physics I (3)
Problem solving approach with a range of available experiments in classical and modern physics. Emphasis on experimental technique and data and error analysis, and the formal presentation of the work performed. Prereq: PHYS204. Co-req: PHYS 303.
PHYS 301B. Advanced Laboratory Physics I for BA(2)
This course is the second half of the laboratory requirement for the BA degree in Physics and is basically the second half of PHYS 301. Problem solving approach with a range of available experiments in classical and modern physics. Emphasis on experimental technique and data and error analysis, and the formal presentation of the work performed. Prereq: 203 or 203A. Co-req: PHYS 303.
PHYS 302. Advanced Laboratory Physics II (4)
Several projects using research-quality equipment in contemporary fields of experimental physics. Each requires reading appropriate literature, choosing appropriate instrumentation, performing data acquisition and analysis, and writing a technical paper. Topics include particle counting techniques, neutron activation, gamma-ray spectroscopy, a range of condensed matter experiments including temperature dependent properties between 10 and 350 K, modern optics, ultrahigh vacuum surface science. Prereq: PHYS301.
PHYS 303. Advanced Laboratory Physics Seminar (1)
Students will discuss various issues associated with physics research. These include how to judge the quality of an experiment and data (error analysis), how to present your work in written and oral formats, safety and ethical concerns in the laboratory. PHYS 303 plus PHYS 352 is an approved SAGES Departmental Seminar. Prereq: PHYS 250.
PHYS 309. Selected Physics Experiments (4)
An introduction to analog electronics and experimental physics. The first few weeks focus on DC and AC circuits, including circuit elements and measurements including nonlinear elements and operational amplifiers. The remainder of the semester includes selected experiments from classical and modern physics with an emphasis on experimental techniques, data and error analysis and the formal presentation of work. Prereq: PHYS116, PHYS122 or PHYS124.
PHYS 310. Classical Mechanics (3)
Lagrangian formulation of mechanics and its application to central force motion, scattering theory, rigid body motion, and systems of many degrees of freedom. Prereq: PHYS221 and either MATH223 or MATH227.
PHYS 313. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3)
Thermodynamic laws, entropy, and phase transitions from the quantum mechanical viewpoint. Gibbs and Boltzmann factors. Ideal, degenerate fermion, degenerate boson, photon, and phonon gases. Correlation functions and transport phenomena. Applications ranging from solid state physics to astrophysics. Prereq: PHYS221.
PHYS 315. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3)
Characterization and properties of solids; crystal structure, thermal properties of lattices, quantum statistics, electronic structure of metals and semiconductors. Prereq: PHYS331.
PHYS 316. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics (3)
The physics of nuclei and elementary particles; experimental methods used to determine their properties; models and theories developed to describe their structure. Prereq: PHYS331.
PHYS 317. Engineering Physics Laboratory I (3)
Laboratory course for engineering physics majors. Emphasis is on experimental techniques, data and error analysis, and written and oral presentation of work. Four experiments drawn from classical and modern physics are carried out. These emphasize condensed matter, material and optical physics. Experiments include electric fields, resistivity of materials, optical interference, chaotic systems and spectroscopy. Design of data analysis systems and software is required. Prereq: PHYS208. Co-req: PHYS 303.
PHYS 318. Engineering Physics Laboratory II (4)
Laboratory course for engineering physics majors. Several projects using research-quality equipment in contemporary fields of experimental physics. Open-ended experiments each require reading appropriate literature, designing the experiment, performing data analysis, and writing a technical paper. Topics are drawn from areas of modern physics, and concentrate on condensed matter, material, and optical physics. Prereq: PHYS317.
PHYS 324. Electricity and Magnetism I (3)
First half of a sequence that constitutes a detailed study of the basics of electromagnetic theory and many of its applications. Electrostatics and magnetostatics of free space, conductors, dielectric and magnetic materials; basic theory illustrated with applications drawn from condensed matter physics, optics, plasma physics, and physical electronics. Prerequisite: PHYS 116, 122 or 124.
PHYS 325. Electricity and Magnetism II (3)
Continuation of PHYS 324. Electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, potential formulation of electromagnetism, and relativity. Prerequisite: PHYS 324
PHYS 326. Physical Optics (3)
Geometrical optics and ray tracing, wave propagation, interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, interference, diffraction, and coherence. Supplementary current topics from modern optics such as nonlinear optics, holography, optical trapping and optical computing. Prerequisite may be waived with consent of department. Prereq: PHYS122 or PHYS124.
PHYS 327. Quantum Electronics (3)
An introduction to theoretical and practical quantum electronics covering topics in quantum optics, laser physics, and nonlinear optics. Topics to be addressed include the physics of two-level quantum systems including the density matrix formalism, rate equations and semiclassical radiation theory; laser operation including oscillation, gain, resonator optics, transverse and longitudinal modes, Q-switching, mode-locking, and coherence; and nonlinear optics including the nonlinear susceptibility, parametric interactions, stimulated processes and self-action. Prereq: Physics 331 or 481.
PHYS 328 . Cosmology and the Structure of the Universe (3)
Distances to galaxies. The content of the distant universe. Large scale structure and galaxy clusters. Physical Cosmology. Structure and galaxy formation and evolution. Testing cosmological models. ( This course is an ASTR course with a PHYS cross-listing. It will be offered every second year, alternating with PHYS 336 Cosmology. You should consult with a recent instructor for these courses if you need assistance with distinguising between them.)
PHYS 329. Independent Study (1-4)
An individual reading course in any topic of mutual interest to the student and the faculty supervisor.
PHYS 331. Quantum Mechanics I (3)
Quantum nature of energy and angular momentum, wave nature of matter, Schroedinger equation in one and three dimensions; matrix methods; Dirac notation; quantum mechanical scattering. Two particle wave-functions. Prereq: PHYS221.
PHYS 332. Quantum Mechanics II (3)
Continuation of PHYS 331. Spin and fine structure; Dirac equation; symmetries; approximation methods; atomic and molecular spectra; time dependent perturbations; quantum statistics; applications to electrons in metals and liquid helium. Prereq: PHYS331.
PHYS 336. Modern Cosmology (3)
An introduction to modern cosmology, and an explanation of current topics in the field. The first half of the course will cover the mathematical and physical basis of cosmology, while the second will delve into current questions and the observations that constrain them. Prereq: PHYS221.
PHYS 339. Seminar (1-3)
Conducted in small sections with presentation of papers by students and informal discussion. Special problem seminars and research seminars offered according to interest and need, often in conjunction with one or more research groups. Prereq: Consent of department.
PHYS 340. Teaching Electricity (2)
This lab-based course is directed at in-service and prospective teachers of science in the middle and high schools. The course content will cover the basics of electricity (current, voltage, power, energy, Kirchhoff?s laws and their relation to the laws of conservation of charge and energy, Ohm?s law). Some elements of magnetism will also be introduced, time permitting. The sessions will be hands-on and activity-based. The sessions will also model and discuss teaching pedagogy such as cooperative learning, interactive lectures, learning styles, constructivism and inquiry-learning. The technology used will involve simple and cheap equipment that can be easily replicated in clsss rooms. Evaluation will be based on attendance, participation, pre-and post-tests, and journals.
PHYS 349 Methods of Mathematical Physics I (3)
Analysis of complex functions: singularities, residues, contour integration; evaluation and approximation of sums and integrals; exact and approximate solution of ordinary differential equations; transform calculus; Sturm-Liouville theory; calculus of variations. Prereq: MATH224.
PHYS 350. Methods of Mathematical Physics II (3)
(Continuation of PHYS 349.) Special functions, orthogonal polynomials, partial differential equations, linear operators, group theory, tensors, selected special topics. Prereq: PHYS349. (Until further notice and unless demand increases, PHYS 350 will be offered only every second year, in the spring of 2007, 2009, etc.)
PHYS 351. Senior Physics Project (4 credits total, 2 credits each semester)
A two semester course required for senior BS and BA physics majors. Students pursue a project based on experimental, theoretical or teaching research under the supervision of a physics faculty member, a faculty member from another CWRU department or a research scientist or engineer from another institution. A departmental Senior Project Committee must approve all project proposals and this same committee will receive regular oral and written progress reports. Final results are presented at the end of the second semester as a paper in a style suitable for publication in a professional journal as well as an oral report in a public symposium. ( approved SAGES capstone ) Prereq: PHYS302 or PHYS301B. For more information, see Senior Projects/Senior Projects.htm .
PHYS 352. Senior Physics Project Seminar (2 credits total, 1 credit each semester)
This two semester seminar is taken concurrently with the student’s two semester senior project. Students meet weekly to discuss their projects and the research experience. The class will include dialogues about professional issues such as ethics, graduate school, jobs, funding, professional organizations, public obligations, writing and speaking. Assignments include proposals, progress reports, and posters. PHYS 352 plus PHYS 303 is an approved SAGES Departmental Seminar.
PHYS 353. Senior Engineering Physics Project (4 credits total, 2 credits each semester)
A two semester course required for BSE Engineering Physics majors. Students are expected to complete a research project in their concentration area under the supervision of a faculty member in science, engineering, or, with approval, a researcher at another institution or company. The project may be calculational, experimental or theoretical, and will address both the underlying physics and appropriate engineering and design principles. A program Senior Project Committee must approve all project proposals and will receive regular oral and written progress reports. Final results are presented at the end of the second semester as a paper in a style suitable for publication in a professional journal as well as an oral report in a public symposium. (approved SAGES capstone) Prereq: PHYS318. For more information, see Senior Projects/Senior Projects.htm .
PHYS 365. General Relativity (3)
This is a first course in general relativity. The techniques of tensor analysis will be developed and used to describe the effects of gravity and Einstein's theory. Consequences of the theory as well as its experimental tests will be discussed. An introduction to cosmology will be given. Admission to this course requires consent of the department.
PHYS 390. Undergraduate Research in Physics (3-6)
Research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Physics. Arrangements must be made with a faculty member and a written description of these arrangements must be submitted to and approved by the department before a permit will be issued to register for this course. A final report must be supplied to the department at the end of the semester. Prereq: Consent of department. For more information, see http://www.phys.cwru.edu/undergrad/PHYS390/PHYS390.htm .